So after two sitttings, seven hours, a lot of money, and almost passing out once, this is what I have on my lower back. I had it done by John from Blue Heron Tattoo in Derry, NH in June of '05. I've never actually remembered the name of my other tattoo artists, but John made sure I remembered his. He did a wonderful job and I think I may be loyal to him forever. I've said that about other men before, but never a tattoo artist. It's actually funny to see how pale I am. I'm almost corpse-like. I'm definitely getting another one by the end of the summer, so there will be another picture in here soon.

May 10, 2010

New Docs

So I ordered a new pair of boots from Vixens & Angels, the online presence of a physical store out of Denver. I have used them before, and since Zappos sold out to Amazon, they have become one of my only outlets for my beloved Doc Martens. They arrived today. They also arrived with a ridiculous amount of swag.

I only wish that I played the guitar in a punk band, then all of this swag would be usable. When is the last time Amazon gave you swag?

The boots themselves are standard black, not unlike the first pair I bought about 8 years ago. Here they are in action. Or inaction.
Because of my obsession with branding, I tend to question my buying habits. There have been several studies of Coke and Pepsi, that prove although consumers tend to prefer the taste of Pepsi, Coke clearly defeats it in overall sales by more than a slim margin every single year. Why is that? Because people have an emotional attachment to the Coke brand. It reminds us of the Olympics, and holding hands in perfect harmony.

So I question my loyalty to the brands in my life, because you may buy something intellectually you know you don't prefer because of the emotional reaction your brain has to it. So what are my Docs to me? They are the spirit of unrest, anarchy, and the refusal to follow the status quo. They are youth, and progress, and punk rock. Perhaps I like them because they keep me young, or perhaps I like them because they make me feel like a badass. It is nearly impossible to live a life uneffected by brands and marketing, but we should know why we make certain purchases, and be aware that we are allowing how we perceive ourselves to influence our buying habits. So think about what you buy. As for me, I have some new boots to break in.